It’s going to be a breezy afternoon and evening in Arlington.
A Wind Advisory is in effect from 2-6 p.m. today. Forecasters say winds could gust up to 50 mph, potentially downing some tree limbs and causing “a few power outages.”
More from the National Weather Service:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…WEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH.
* WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FREDERICK, PRINCE GEORGES, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES IN MARYLAND, AND FAIRFAX, LOUDOUN AND ARLINGTON COUNTIES INCLUDING THE CITIES OF ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX, AND FALLS CHURCH IN VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM EST TUESDAY.
* IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN. A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.
Strong winds are expected Tuesday afternoon. See map for more details. pic.twitter.com/s3x2lIbleO
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 23, 2021
Ice and snow has prompted another day without residential waste collection in Arlington, and that will have a ripple effect for residents next week.
“Due to icy road conditions and crew safety concerns, there will be no trash/recycling/yard waste curbside collection today,” Arlington County said this morning.
As a result of the delays, the trash collection schedule for next week will shift back by a day.
“Thursday’s route will now be completed on Saturday, 2/20,” the county said. “Friday’s route will be completed on Monday, 2/22, which will shift next week’s collection schedule by one day next week… Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
The county’s collection service serves mostly single-family homes; apartments and condos are served by private haulers.
Table via Arlington County
Yesterday’s Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.
The winter storm that has been causing major problems in Texas and the central U.S. is making its way towards the D.C. area on its march up to New England. It’s expected to drop 3-6 inches of snow on Arlington and the immediate D.C. area before the precipitation switches to sleet and freezing rain.
The ice accumulation could cause dangerous road conditions and power outages, forecasters and local officials warn.
“With heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice in the forecast for Northern Virginia on Thursday and Friday, significant road impacts are expected,” the Virginia Dept. of Transportation said today. “While VDOT crews prepare to deploy, residents are asked to closely monitor weather updates and plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel tomorrow and Friday.”
“Crews will finish pre-treating about 2,000 lane miles of interstates and primary routes in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties today,” VDOT added. “Drivers are asked to be alert to brine tankers and to give them room, as they move slowly to spray the salt water solution on the pavement. Pretreatment will help prevent ice from bonding to assist crews with snow and ice removal at the storm’s onset.”
Arlington County crews are also currently pretreating local roadways.
A Winter Storm Warning was issued for the region this morning. More from the National Weather Service:
1024 AM EST WED FEB 17 2021
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…HEAVY SNOW ALONG WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AROUND 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH ICE ACCUMULATION AROUND ONE TENTH TO ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH.
* WHERE…THE WASHINGTON AND BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREAS.
* WHEN…FROM 3 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM EST FRIDAY. SNOW WILL BEGIN BETWEEN 3 AND 5 AM. SNOW WILL CHANGE TO A MIXTURE OF SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN DURING THE LATE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS.
* IMPACTS…POWER OUTAGES AND TREE DAMAGE ARE LIKELY DUE TO THE ICE. TRAVEL COULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING OR EVENING COMMUTE.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…SNOW THURSDAY MORNING WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES WITH SNOWFALL RATES AROUND 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR POSSIBLE ALONG WITH VISIBILITY REDUCED TO AROUND ONE-QUARTER MILE AT TIME.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
IF YOU MUST TRAVEL, KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT, FOOD, AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Significant icing from freezing rain is expected along/east of the I-95 corridor. This would occur during the afternoon/evening hours, after the heavy snow. pic.twitter.com/yWuRA5WGWN
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 17, 2021
File photo
Arlington is under a Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday night until Thursday night.
The watch was issued shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say five or more inches of snow, plus some ice accumulation, is possible in the D.C. area during that timeframe.
More from the National Weather Service:
250 PM EST TUE FEB 16 2021
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 OR MORE INCHES AND TOTAL ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH OR MORE ARE POSSIBLE.
* WHERE…THE WASHINGTON, BALTIMORE, AND FREDERICKSBURG METROPOLITAN AREAS.
* WHEN…FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT.
* IMPACTS…POWER OUTAGES AND TREE DAMAGE ARE LIKELY DUE TO THE ICE. TRAVEL COULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING OR EVENING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION.
Arlington’s emergency management office is encouraging residents to prepare for a possible snowstorm and — when it snows — to help neighbors shovel if need be.
Snow and ice may be on the way. Take time today to prepare and follow @ArlingtonAlert for local updates. https://t.co/oe4TTv5UNx
— Ready Arlington (@ReadyArlington) February 16, 2021
This winter, be a different sort of snow angel. Shovel out your elderly neighbors' sidewalks and nearby fire hydrants after it snows. #arlwx #dcwx #winterweather pic.twitter.com/YLlXGuC2Xv
— Ready Arlington (@ReadyArlington) February 16, 2021
(Updated at 4:20 p.m.) Authorities are urging Arlington residents and others in the D.C. area to stay home today amid an extended bout of freezing rain.
Sidewalks and many roads are reported to be very slick. The ice is expected to build as the day goes on.
County and VDOT crews are out spreading salt, but even treated surfaces can become icy as rain falls amid sub-freezing surface temperatures. At least two bridges in the Courthouse area were closed due to slick conditions.
“Due to icy conditions the 10th Street bridge and Courthouse Rd bridge of Route 50 have been closed,” an Arlington Alert said at 9:30 a.m.
The earlier Winter Weather Advisory was upgraded to an Ice Storm Warning as of 2 p.m. Saturday. As of 3 p.m., the National Weather Service reported more than a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation in Arlington.
More from NWS:
156 PM EST SAT FEB 13 2021
…ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…TWO TO THREE TENTHS OF AN INCH OF SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN CAUSING SIGNIFICANT ICING IMPACTS.
* WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…UNTIL 7 AM EST SUNDAY.
* IMPACTS…DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…ROADWAYS ARE BECOMING VERY ICY AND DANGEROUS. AVOID ALL UNNECESSARY TRAVEL.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
TRAVEL IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL, KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT, FOOD AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Ice Storm Warnings have been expanded northwest to include Washington DC and surrounding areas. Expecting any wet and/or untreated surfaces to quickly become icy this evening as sun goes down. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/UoMZaBG8yt
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 13, 2021
In an email earlier this morning, VDOT said those who absolutely must travel should “use extreme caution.”
Significant icing is anticipated with the next wave of inclement weather. With prolonged freezing rain and low pavement temperatures expected through the day Saturday, VDOT strongly advises against nonessential travel. Those who must drive should closely monitor weather and road conditions, and use extreme caution. Even on treated roads, slick pavement will be possible. […]
Crews have positioned materials and equipment, and will apply treatment such as sand and salt as needed to icy patches and trouble spots to improve traction. Tree crews are ready to trim and remove branches weighed down or broken by ice, and to support utility companies on potential downed or entangled lines.
Numerous crashes have been reported around Arlington since this morning, including on treated roads. Virginia State Police say the VSP division that serves Arlington and other parts of Northern Virginia has responded to 83 crashes and 29 disabled vehicles as of 4 p.m.
“Virginia State Police continues to discourage Virginians from driving through Sunday (Feb. 14) due to extremely icy and treacherous conditions across much of Central, Southeastern and Northern Virginia,” a spokeswoman said via email.
More from social media:
3:35 pm: Seeing reports of some snow, even into the city lately. Mostly freezing rain and sleet locally but a bit of everything out there. Can see that nicely on high-resolution weather models. pic.twitter.com/NuIt2ubqtQ
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 13, 2021
Under an ice storm warning & the number of crashes in the area is increasing. Here are 2. One on I-395N express lanes under the SB Rt 1 ramp & a multi-vehicle crash on Beltway's OL just past Van Dorn. @WTOPtraffic @WTOP @ARLnowDOTcom @VaDOTNOVA @VSPPIO #vatraffic #traffic pic.twitter.com/UBECUBEPSj
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) February 13, 2021
Icy in Ballston @capitalweather @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/dLy1OrL29a
— Steffi_S (@taquicoco) February 13, 2021
Crews continue to salt arterial and collector streets plus known problem areas. Rain in a wintry mix can lessen effectiveness so drive only if necessary. Use extreme caution approaching bridges and hills. #ArlWX https://t.co/J0yJcIDINc pic.twitter.com/Xot2X6wl56
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) February 13, 2021
Hi Arlington. Just discovered that your bridges are icy this morning!🥶
Be careful on the roads— @ARLnowDOTcom— Kochella (@jenkochan) February 13, 2021
This is what we call freezing rain – slippery stuff – be cautious @ARLnowDOTcom #EFallsChurch #VA pic.twitter.com/7an0LVP9Mm
— Russell Imrie (@tweedyBard) February 13, 2021
(Updated at 5 p.m.) Arlington County is under a Winter Weather Advisory for Saturday into Sunday.
The National Weather Service says wintry precipitation starting Saturday morning may lead to slippery roads, with ice accumulation up to a fifth of an inch or so.
An earlier Winter Storm Watch was downgraded to an advisory Friday afternoon.
More from NWS:
310 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain, mixed with sleet at times. Storm total ice accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of an inch.
* WHERE…The District of Columbia, and portions of central and southern Maryland and central, northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 AM Saturday to 7 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Prepare for difficult travel conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Even a small amount of ice on untreated surfaces can make travel treacherous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings have been issued for Saturday and Saturday night. See graphics for details. pic.twitter.com/XpGLeXVhWP
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 12, 2021
In a sign of what may be to come, Metro is planning to operate on a moderate snow service plan to start the day on Saturday.
It does not take much ice buildup on roadways to create very dangerous conditions. On Thursday morning, an icy highway in Fort Worth, Texas caused a massive pileup that killed six people and involved more than 100 vehicles.
Dangerous icing possible in the DC area Saturday, w/ threat highest along and east of I95. In parts of the region, could be worst ice event in more than a decade. Do not mess with ice…best to stay in if/when icy precip is falling. Detailed briefing: https://t.co/NLfzmgIUWy
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 12, 2021
(Updated at 11:15 a.m.) Another round of wintry weather is on tap, starting late night.
A Winter Weather Advisory was issued this morning for Arlington and other parts of the region, with forecasters calling for 1-3 inches of snow accumulation through Thursday morning. Additional rounds of snowfall are expected in the days ahead.
Winter Weather Advisories are now up for much of the area for tonight's winter storm. Generally looking at 2 to 4 inches of snow across the advisory area, with a light glaze of ice expected across central VA. pic.twitter.com/fIMrJu6rbB
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 10, 2021
More on tonight’s snow event, from the National Weather Service.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…SNOW EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES.
* WHERE…PORTIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CENTRAL, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHEAST AND NORTHERN MARYLAND, NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA AND PANHANDLE WEST VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST THURSDAY.
* IMPACTS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING OR EVENING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Arlington County crews have been pre-treating local roads and trails with brine lines in anticipation of the snow. VDOT crews are also pre-treating highways and major commuter routes in Arlington.
Arlington streets being pretreated ahead of winter storm system expected to move in tomorrow night and linger into Friday. #ArlWX https://t.co/JnvPU3bK6U pic.twitter.com/cAwQ6sUsMK
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) February 9, 2021
@ArlingtonVA lays down a fresh layer of brine on the Bluemont Trail in anticipation of #snow ❄️ @capitalweather @ARLnowDOTcom @BikeArlington @railstotrails pic.twitter.com/5TJemcF2Zv
— Tom Mockler (@TomMockler) February 10, 2021
Avoid the spray and don't tail our trucks! #VDOT crews 👷♀️ 👷♂️ are pretreating some roads today in preparation for more ❄️ #snow & 🧊 #ice! Please stay behind our trucks to give them space to work, be patient & do not pass our trucks. pic.twitter.com/b8WS3oSz5S
— VDOT (@VaDOT) February 10, 2021
Arlington residents should “take steps today to prepare for winter weather,” the county’s emergency management office says.
Snow is in the forecast for seven of the next eight days, and the National Weather Service is cautioning of a winter storm threat from Thursday into Friday. (See below.)
Via social media, county officials this morning recommended “picking up a few extra non perishable foods,” along with sand for icy sidewalks. Residents should also check on “neighbors who may need help,” the emergency management office said.
An early trip to the grocery store may avoid crowds, while an early online grocery delivery order may avoid a lack of available delivery windows.
Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services, meanwhile, says it is “watching the developing forecast through Friday” and is prepared to pre-treat local roads with brine.
Via social media:
Take steps today to prepare for winter weather, like picking up a few extra non perishable foods + sidewalk sand, checking on neighbors who may need help, and following @ArlingtonAlert for local updates. https://t.co/Pf9hLHlSFK
— Ready Arlington (@ReadyArlington) February 9, 2021
Brining time again. Watching the developing forecast through Friday. Know the phases of winter storm response: https://t.co/hnVwQngape. #ArlWX pic.twitter.com/pRSKNUKZpm
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) February 9, 2021
Despite temperatures expected to reach 50 degrees today, Arlington is mere hours from the start of a winter storm with snowfall that may exceed that of last weekend.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Arlington and surrounding communities, with forecasters calling for 3-6 inches of accumulation. The warning is in effect from 3 a.m.-noon on Super Bowl Sunday.
Periods of heavy snow are expected Sunday morning, making travel treacherous, but warming temperatures should allow those with plans for the big game to get around with few issues later in the afternoon.
Snow crews are getting ready to do battle with the elements once again
“VDOT Northern Virginia crews are ready for a quick-hitting winter storm expected to impact the district early Sunday,” VDOT said today. “Today, crews are pre-treating bridges, ramps, overpasses and other trouble spots throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, to help prevent ice and snow from bonding to the pavement at the onset of the storm.”
“Residents are asked to monitor forecasts, plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during the storm, and be aware of the potential for slick spots overnight Sunday.” the transportation agency noted.
The City of Falls Church, meanwhile, is activating its snow emergency routes at 9 p.m. tonight (Saturday).
More from the National Weather Service:
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES.
* WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…FROM 3 AM TO NOON EST SUNDAY.
* IMPACTS…TRAVEL COULD BE VERY DIFFICULT.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BETWEEN 3 AM AND 5 AM, AND MAY BRIEFLY MIX WITH RAIN AT FIRST. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 AM, WHEN VISIBILITY MAY BE REDUCED TO A QUARTER MILE AND SNOWFALL RATES COULD REACH ONE INCH PER HOUR.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
IF YOU MUST TRAVEL, KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT, FOOD, AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been posted for much of the area for tonight through Noon Sunday for 3-6 inches of snow (warning area in pink) and 2-3 inches (advisory area in purple). #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/b5vWaY25g3
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 6, 2021
Arlington County and much of the D.C. region is under a Winter Storm Watch, with close to a half-foot of snow possible over the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued the watch this afternoon, saying that the snow will fall from late Saturday night through the afternoon of Super Bowl Sunday. That’s despite today’s relative warmth, in the mid-50s.
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is a bit more conservative in its forecast, currently calling for 1-3 inches.
JUST IN: Our first call for snow accumulation Saturday night and Sunday. This will likely need to be revised/fine-tuned. To understand our current rationale, read the accompanying text/article here: https://t.co/u9BFiBZfCF pic.twitter.com/kDejYmgYgD
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 5, 2021
More from NWS:
313 PM EST FRI FEB 5 2021
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…HEAVY SNOW POSSIBLE. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 OR MORE INCHES POSSIBLE.
* WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND, NORTHERN VIRGINIA, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for much of the region starting Saturday night and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Snow accumulations of 5 inches or more are possible in the watch area. pic.twitter.com/4DQyjyWg6d
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 5, 2021
